Effective Generation of Functional Pancreatic β Cells from Human-Derived Dental Stem Cells of Apical Papilla and Bone-Marrow-Derived Stem Cells: A Comparative Study

Ameliorating and refining islet organoids to illuminate treatment and pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus, a significant global public health challenge, severely impacts human health worldwide. The organoid, an innovative in vitro three-dimensional (3D) culture model, closely mimics tissues or organs in vivo. Insulin-secreting islet organoid, derived from stem cells induced in vitro with 3D structures, has emerged as a potential alternative for islet transplantation and as a possible disease model that mirrors the human body's in vivo environment, eliminating species difference. This technology has gained considerable attention for its potential in diabetes treatment. Despite advances, the process of stem cell differentiation into islet organoid and its cultivation demonstrates deficiencies, prompting ongoing efforts to develop more efficient differentiation protocols and 3D biomimetic materials. At present, the constructed islet organoid exhibit limitations in their composition, structure, and functionality when compared to natural islets. Consequently, further research is imperative to achieve a multi-tissue system composition and improved insulin secretion functionality in islet organoid, while addressing transplantation-related safety concerns, such as tumorigenicity, immune rejection, infection, and thrombosis. This review delves into the methodologies and strategies for constructing the islet organoid, its application in diabetes treatment, and the pivotal scientific challenges within organoid research, offering fresh perspectives for a deeper understanding of diabetes pathogenesis and the development of therapeutic interventions.

Islet Like Cells Induced from Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Neonatal Bovine Pancreatic Mesenchymal Exosomes for Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

To investigate the safety and efficacy of the islet-like cell (cell) induced from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UCMSC) with different methods for the treatment of diabetic animal model. UCMSCs were induced to βcells with cytokines (CY) and neonatal bovine pancreatic mesenchymal cell exosomes (Ex) combined with CY (EX+CY). The insulin secretion of UCMSC and βcell was measured with ELISA when the cells were growing in different concentrations of glucose media for different times. UCMSCs (4×105) and the same number of cells prepared with two methods were transplanted to type I diabetic rat models. UCMSCs could be induced into islet βcells by CY or EX+CY in vitro. The insulin secretion of the prepared β cells growing in 25.0 mM glucose medium was over 5-fold of that in 6.0 mM glucose. The transplantation of the βcells to type I diabetic rat models could reduce the blood glucose and prolong the survival time. The β cells induced by EX+CY had much more significant effects on decreasing blood glucose and increasing survival time (p<0.01). The cells did not affect blood sugar level and had no serious side-effects in human health. UCMSC could be induced to islet βcells with either CY or EX+CY. The transplantation of the induced islet βcells could reduce blood glucose and prolong the survival time of diabetic animal models. Although the cells induced with EX+CY had more significant effects on diabetic rats, they did not affect blood glucose level and had no serious side-effects in human health.

Bioengineering and vascularization strategies for islet organoids: advancing toward diabetes therapy

Diabetes presents a pressing healthcare crisis, necessitating innovative solutions. Organoid technologies have rapidly advanced, leading to the emergence of bioengineering islet organoids as an unlimited source of insulin-producing cells for treating insulin-dependent diabetes. This advancement surpasses the need for cadaveric islet transplantation. However, clinical translation of this approach faces two major limitations: immature endocrine function and the absence of a perfusable vasculature compared to primary human islets. In this review, we summarize the latest developments in bioengineering functional islet organoids in vitro and promoting vascularization of organoid grafts before and after transplantation. We highlight the crucial roles of the vasculature in ensuring long-term survival, maturation, and functionality of islet organoids. Additionally, we discuss key considerations that must be addressed before clinical translation of islet organoid-based therapy, including functional immaturity, undesired heterogeneity, and potential tumorigenic risks.